Many school districts are switching to electronic payment systems in
their cafeterias.
Parents can fund their kids' accounts online and even see what their
kids are buying for lunch. But kids can also charge food when there's no
money in their accounts. Now Seattle Public Schools is trying to
collect $12,000 in unpaid lunchroom debt.

My kids' school has a similar set up. They require a debit card or credit card to be linked to the account. Becasue the school system does such a poor job educating my kids' I didn't feel comfortable giving them access to my credit or debit account. The solution: GIVE KIDS CASH!! Little kids, give daily amount, older kids give weekly amount.